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International Standard Number (ISBN/ISSN)

ISBN : International Standard Book Number

What is ISBN?

The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a system to enhance efficiency of material information and bibliographic distribution by establishing and identifying one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher.

Advantages of ISBN

The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique, numerical book identifier worldwide. Since the 13-digit barcodes have long replaced bibliographic and technological descriptions, the adoption of ISBN has greatly contributed to saving time and cost in marketing, as well as preventing clerical errors.

Using ISBN enables to compile and renew book lists for sale or handbooks, helping to find available publication information with ease.

Using ISBN is the fastest and most efficient way to order, sell or distribute publications.

The current EAN-13-based barcodes on a book’s back cover are a machine-readable form, which prevents errors and improves efficiency during the distribution process.

ISSN : International Standard Serial Number

Definition of International Standard Serial Number System

For the purpose of the identification of various periodical publications produced around the world, the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) system is a system for the mutual use of bibliographic information worldwide by creating a unique identification number and registering bibliographic information such as ISSN and title to the International ISSN Center

Structure of ISSN

The International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is a simple identification number placed on various periodical publications, consisting of eight digits connected by two four digits with a hyphen and always following English capital letters, ISSN.

(i.e.) ISSN 1225-6021 / ISSN 1225-004X

Unlike an ISBN, an ISSN has no special meaning within its numbers. As well, the 8th number is called check digit, that is a device to guard against the computer accepting an incorrectly transcribed number. In this case, the Roman numeral X is used as the check digit.

Advantages of ISSN

Since an ISSN is an identification number for periodical publications, an ISSN created for any periodical publication helps to identify it with ease regardless of its publishing nation, publisher, language and contents.

The ISSN system is the fastest and most efficient way for libraries to collect, mutually borrow, copy bibliographic information and compile comprehensive lists and for distributors, such as publishers and bookstores to order, sell, return and control inventory and management.

ISSN -L

The linking ISSN or ISSN-L is a new function of ISSN, which enables collocation or linking among different media versions of a continuing resource (periodical publications), defined in the new International Standard (ISO 3297 : 2007) on ISSN in 2007. ISSN-L is not a separate numeral system but designates the first assigned (lowest number) ISSN among different media versions of a continuing resource. Only one ISSN-L will be designated regardless of how many different medium versions of a continuing resource exist. ISSN-L is confirmed on the homepage of the ISSN International Center “ISSN-L Table.”

The ISSN Network (ISSN International Center and National Center) has the only right to designate ISSN-L. Using ISSN-L enables one to collectively search the entire media of a specific continuing resource.

In case to use ISSN-L instead of ISSN, please print or write down the capital letter of ISSN-L before serial numbers.